Cole's Prostrate Canadian Hemlock

Cole's Prostrate Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis 'Cole's Prostrate')

Cole's Prostrate Canadian Hemlock is a low, ground-hugging selection with soft, finely textured needles on spreading, cascading branches that root where they touch. Its elegant, evergreen mat provides four-season texture for slopes, walls, and shaded borders.

Distinctive Features

Naturally prostrate habit can be lightly staked for a touch of height or left to drape; layered sprays create a refined, deep green carpet that reads polished in shade.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial shade to bright filtered light; protect from hot afternoon sun and drying wind.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, acidic, humus-rich soil; avoid compaction and standing water.
• Water: Keep evenly moist, especially in summer; do not allow prolonged drought.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7.
• Mature Size: About 0.5 to 1 ft tall and 4 to 8 ft wide in 10 years, spreading wider with age.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Flowing evergreen carpet and fine texture create a graceful shade accent.
• Groundcover: Spreads to form a soft, weed-suppressing mat under trees and shrubs.
• Cascading Over Walls: Drapes naturally along stonework and terraces.
• Slope Stabilization: Dense branching helps knit and soften shaded banks.
• Foundation Planting: Low profile softens edges without blocking windows.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deeply water during establishment and dry spells; maintain a cool, evenly moist root zone.
• Pruning: Minimal; tip prune after spring flush to refine outline and encourage density.
• Fertilizing: Apply a light, acid-forming, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if soil tests indicate need.
• Mulching: Maintain a 2 inch layer of leaf mold or bark to conserve moisture, keeping mulch off stems.
• Notes: Provide wind protection to reduce scorch; monitor for hemlock woolly adelgid and treat promptly if detected.

Why Choose Cole's Prostrate Canadian Hemlock?

• Elegant Texture: Fine needles and layered sprays bring polish to shade.
• Prostrate Habit: Ground-hugging form fits tight, shaded spaces with ease.
• Four-Season Interest: Evergreen coverage provides year-round structure.
• Design Versatility: Works as groundcover, wall drape, or slope binder.
• Low Upkeep: Naturally tidy with minimal pruning needs.

Provide dappled light, acidic well drained soil, steady moisture, and wind protection to keep foliage lush and mats dense and healthy.